With one mighty swing of his bat, the 6-foot-5, 314-pound Bulaga sent an oversized softball soaring above Ray Nitschke Field to win the Green Bay Packers’ home run derby. Bulaga’s blast was the highlight of the team-building event and officially ended the Packers’ offseason program.

For his efforts, Bulaga not only earned bragging rights for his slugging prowess, but was presented with a beat-up red Saturn SL as the grand prize.

“Baseball, that’s my game right there,” Bulaga said with a smile. “I’ve played all my life. A nice, easy, steady swing, put the bat on the ball and watch it go.”

In reality, football is Bulaga’s game, and it’s a matter of when, not if, he begins making a name for himself playing left tackle in the NFL.

“The thing you like about him is the kid doesn’t just want to be good, he wants to be great,” said Packers offensive line coach James Campen. “He’s a mature 21-year-old kid. He’s very driven and has a tremendous work ethic.”

Bulaga is about as level-headed as they come. He isn’t full of himself or his high draft status. He doesn’t expect to be handed anything. He is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team, and right now that includes bringing the morning coffee for the veteran linemen.

So far, Bulaga has said and done all the right things.

There will be no contentious training camp battle pitting Bulaga against the man he will eventually replace, 11-year veteran Chad Clifton. The two get along well, and Clifton has gone out of his way to help the rookie.

“He’s out there working, I’m out there working,” Bulaga said. “I’m the young guy. He was a young guy once. He’s just out there helping me, trying to get things down. That’s what teammates do. It’s been great so far.”

The same can be said for Bulaga’s entire experience since he was drafted by the Packers with the No. 23 overall pick in April. The biggest adjustment has been living in an area hotel since the start of organized team activities.

“I haven’t lived in a hotel for this long,” he said. “I found a (house) but I’m not closing on it or moving in for a while.”

According to offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, Bulaga has lived up to his first-round draft status, even if the team hasn’t practiced in pads yet. Bulaga keeps his feet in contact with the ground, displays balance for a big man and doesn’t overcommit his body weight in one direction or another.

“The thing you hope for in OTAs in spring with a rookie is that some of the things you saw on film translate when the guy actually gets here,” Philbin said.

“Some of the things we liked on (college) tape we like on film here as he is practicing. That’s a good sign.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy appears committed to keeping Bulaga at left tackle, although there could be a temptation to move him to guard if he and Clifton are among the five best linemen heading into the regular season.

In the 5½ weeks until training camp begins, Bulaga has no intention of taking time off. “I think that’s the last thing I need,” he said. “I’m going to try to stay in football mode.”

There is one notable exception. A lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, Bulaga is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on July 9. He is hoping they allow him to take batting practice so he can show off his hitting skills again.

But baseball is just a hobby. The good times begin for Bulaga at training camp.

“This is fun,” he said. “This is what you want to do. Who wants to sit in an office for a long time and type away on a computer. Who wouldn’t want to be playing football and having fun running around and just having a good time out there?”